Tanduay Rhum Masters PBA IMAGES
With Tanduay’s fate on its own hands, camaraderie and consistency will be the key in its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup quarterfinals.
“We still need to continue improving on what we’re doing. We need to focus every game and always give our best,” said veteran guard Mark Cruz in Filipino.
At 5-3, the Rhum Masters are in a prime position to snag the coveted fourth place.
READ: Gaco takes on big brother role at Tanduay
However, coach Lawrence Chongson remains dissatisfied with Tanduay’s inconsistency, something which he feels should no longer be an issue this late in the conference.
“I still don’t see the consistency. The way we’re performing is still a concern for me,” said the mentor after the team’s 78-60 victory over Blustar Detergent on Thursday.
Cruz, who racked 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the win, echoed Chongson’s plea, saying if the Rhum Masters want to go deeper in the playoffs, they have to show the maturity any championship-caliber team has.
READ: Tanduay moves closer to twice-to-beat, demolishes Blustar
“We’re slowly fixing that problem. We told the guys that when we get to a big lead, we must hold on to that and not let the opponent catch up. It’s hard to be consistent but we’re trying our best to do just that,” said the diminutive guard.
Though Tanduay has gotten significant boost from signing ex-pros like Jerwin Gaco and Dennice Villamor, Cruz said that the challenge is on the players to help street the team further into the conference.
The Rhum Masters have one last shot to rise up to the task as they face Jose Rizal University next Tuesday, with the fourth-seed hanging in the balance.
“We can’t be complacent against JRU. They’re a strong team and we really have to give our best if we want that twice-to-beat,” Cruz said.